by Staff report, USA TODAY Sports

by Staff report, USA TODAY Sports

Brandon Jacobs, who couldn't get out of East Rutherford fast enough after the New York Giants refused to meet his salary demands in 2012, apparently has decided the grass is greener on the East Coast -- especially over the swamp.

The New York Giants, desperate for a running back who can hold on to the football, are bringing Jacobs back to New Jersey, even though he wore out his welcome by whining in San Francisco; is 31 years old; and has been on the street since the 49ers released him at the end of last season.

Jacobs, who played for the Giants from 2005-2011, worked out on Tuesday for the team, which announced his signing.

When he was dumped by the Niners at the end of last season, Jacobs said he would play for only one team -- the Giants. Luckily for him, a spot eventually opened up -- though it's questionable how much he has left in his tank.

"The Giants have given me a great opportunity," Jacobs said via the team's website. "This is where I wanted to be. These are the coaches I want to play for and I wanted to come back with my teammates. This is the place I love most."

Jacobs was unhappy with his role (or non-role) in San Francisco. He played in only two games with five carries for 7 yards. He began griping about his situation last October when he told USA TODAY Sports he was "just here doing what I've got to do, listening to people, practicing every day. That's all I can do."

Jacobs said he meant that he'd yet to dress for a game, despite claiming he'd fully recovered from a knee injury suffered in the preseason, but his subsequent tweets suggested he was trying to send a signal to his boss, 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh.

Jacobs tweeted not to work "where you hate your boss," and that he was "rotting away" on the 49ers' sideline.

At one time, Jacobs was considered a leader in the locker room, but his stint in San Francisco, which included a suspension, has tarnished that reputation.

The upside for the Giants: Jacobs, who knows the offense, can help second-year running back David Wilson with his fumbling problems and the Giants' pass protection schemes -- the kid's two glaring weaknesses.

Jacobs, 6-4 and 265 pounds, isn't expected to play a huge role in the Giants offense, though he is likely to get an occasional carry and toss from Eli Manning and probably will be asked to protect the quarterback until Wilson proves he can do that on a consistent basis.

Asked Tuesday what his role would be with the Giants, Jacobs said. "Whatever they need me to do, whatever role they want me to play."

How quickly can he be ready?

"I'm ready to go," Jacobs said. "If I need to go Sunday (against the Denver Broncos), I can go Sunday. There's no issue."